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- Tasks: Manage and deliver the British Pavilion programme at the Venice Biennale, from planning to execution.
- Company: Join the British Council, a leader in promoting arts, education, and cultural connections globally.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, a vibrant work culture, and the chance to make a global impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping contemporary art and architecture on an international stage.
- Qualifications: Experience in exhibition delivery and project management is essential; passion for arts is a plus.
- Other info: This role is based in London with no remote work options; must have UK work rights.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. We connect. We inspire.
Location: London, United Kingdom (No flexibility)
Contract Type: 18 Month Fixed-Term Contract
Annual Gross Salary: 30,839 plus £3,300 London market allowance
Closing date: 06 July 2025 at 21:59 UK Time
Requirements: You must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are unable to support with visa sponsorship and relocation.
Role Context - About The Team: This role sits within the Cultural Engagement (CE) Strategic Business Unit (SBU). CE brings together our portfolio of work in arts, education, English, and research. Our UK arts team works with the arts and culture sector in the UK, and our global network of offices, to achieve significant impact and change by finding new ways of connecting and seeing each other through the arts. The British Pavilion is our flagship arts programme, showcasing the best in contemporary art and architecture and building connections through unique events and collaborations.
The Venice programme team is unique in the British Council Arts team because it is responsible for developing, managing and delivering an annual exhibition programme, as well as overseeing successful collaborations with commissioned artists and curators and managing exhibition contractors and other suppliers. Although small, the Venice programme team is a centre of expertise and excellence in exhibition delivery and going forwards will play a key role in leading project activity to create a long-term financial business model for the British Pavilion.
The Venice Programme team is situated within the British Council’s Festivals and Seasons team in the UK Arts Department. The team works in a collaborative and agile style, with specific workstreams allocated to members of the team to deliver. The Directors of Visual Arts and the Director of Architecture, Design, Fashion teams are the British Pavilion Commissioners for the art and architecture Venice Biennale respectively. The Senior Project Manager has responsibility for delivering the British Pavilion exhibitions and strategy and the Director of Festivals and Seasons is the Senior Responsible Owner.
Role Purpose - The Job: The Project Manager will work to the Senior Project Manager to plan, communicate, and deliver specific work packages for the British Pavilion programme at the Venice Biennale from inception through design to completion within agreed costs and timescales. This includes cohesive client-side project management of external contractors and internal stakeholders to achieve timely decision making.
The role will support all aspects of the British Pavilion programme and the following activities are an indication of the type and level of duties expected of the post:
- Organising the practicalities of touring with third party tour partners
- Managing works lists, designs and budgets for exhibition production and installation
- Maintaining the Venice project archive in line with information management policy
- Managing transport and logistics arrangements within budget and schedules
- Managing editorial reviews and production schedules for exhibition texts
- Coordinating client-side requirements, procurements and budgets for opening events
- Delivering communications packages and project reporting to stakeholders
- Developing tenders in the UK and Venice for exhibition delivery
Main Accountabilities: Implement activities assigned by the Senior Project Manager to achieve the ambitions and purpose of the British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Ensure that work packages are delivered to time, budget and quality. The Project Manager will be responsible for end-to-end management of project workstreams, from ensuring requirements are understood by commissioned artists and curators, internal teams and stakeholders to managing specialist exhibition contractors and evaluating performance.
Managing exhibition budgets and third-party touring agreements for allocated exhibition tours and liaising with third parties to develop the technical requirements of tour contracts. Ensure the British Pavilion programme is implemented in compliance with British Council policies and procedures and that all exhibition production and installation work is compliant with relevant health and safety legislation. Ensure issues and changes are controlled according to best project management practice and that project documentation is accurate and up to date. Identify, manage, mitigate and report on all risks associated with activities and ensure there is a managed process for all realised risks/issues controlling costs and outcome.
Actively work to mainstream Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies in the delivery of the work packages and to uphold and champion our anti-racist culture and practice within our organisation and in our work. Prepare the necessary specification and tender documents for projects, together with any progress reports that may be required will supervise the overall performance of contractors and act when undue delay or underperformance against requirements occurs.
The role requires experience of procuring exhibition production and installation, exhibition transport and event services. Ensure that good communication is at the heart of all activities, liaising as necessary with the Commissioners, Business Development, External Relations, Marketing and Media teams as required. To respond swiftly and comprehensively to ad hoc requests for management information and to requests for change. Ensure appropriate impact evaluation is in place for all activities, including taking note of any ‘lessons learned’ and pro-actively work with other relevant staff / consultants / contractors or suppliers to use these lessons to ensure improvements across all work streams.
Requirements Of The Role:
- Minimum/essential Proven experience of exhibition delivery in visual art or architecture
- Experience of procuring exhibition production and installation, exhibition transport and event services in a UK institution.
- Experience of managing multi-disciplinary teams of consultants and experts
- Excellent standard of written English and significant experience of developing clear and concise project reporting
- A proven track record of promoting and supporting diversity and inclusion
- Ability to travel to and from Venice outside of core hours as required
Desirable:
- Experience of delivering projects in the cultural sector
- Experience of international project delivery
- Experience of formal tendering processes and procedures and grant management
- Knowledge or interest in contemporary art and/or architecture
- Project management qualifications (Prince 2 or APM)
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement: We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.
Safeguarding Statement: The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.
Project Manager Venice employer: British Council
Contact Detail:
British Council Recruiting Team
askhr@britishcouncil.org
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager Venice
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the British Pavilion's past exhibitions and their themes. Understanding the artistic direction and previous projects will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the arts and cultural sector, especially those who have experience with international exhibitions. Attend relevant events or webinars to make connections that could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills by discussing specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and timelines in previous roles. Be prepared to explain your approach to risk management and stakeholder communication.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the British Council's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to these values in your work, as this is a key aspect of the organisation's culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager Venice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Project Manager position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role, such as exhibition delivery and project management.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience in exhibition production, managing multi-disciplinary teams, and any specific projects related to arts or culture. Use clear headings and bullet points for easy readability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the arts and your understanding of the British Pavilion programme. Mention specific examples of past projects that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets, timelines, and stakeholder communications.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and concise, reflecting the excellent standard of written English required for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Council
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing projects, particularly in the arts or cultural sectors. Highlight specific examples where you successfully delivered exhibitions or events, focusing on your ability to manage budgets, timelines, and teams.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Diversity and Inclusion
Given the emphasis on equality, diversity, and inclusion in the role, be ready to share how you've promoted these values in your previous work. Discuss any initiatives you've led or participated in that support a diverse workforce and inclusive practices.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the British Pavilion
Research the British Pavilion and its past exhibitions at the Venice Biennale. Understanding its mission and previous works will allow you to speak knowledgeably about how you can contribute to its future success.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges. Prepare scenarios where you had to manage risks, resolve conflicts, or adapt to changes in project scope, and explain how you navigated those situations.
